DORCHESTER Tennis and Squash Club members were rewarded with dry weather and a dose of sunshine for their third Spring Tennis Tournament.

As last year, the tournament format comprised unseeded men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, with a draw for partners.

The tournament was held between the January before its culmination in March and 30 competitors took part, including invited junior members.

Finals day was a great success, with dry weather and even some sunshine, a relief after a long, cold, wet and windy start to the tournament.

READ MORE: Dorchester Fun Tennis Tournament begins 2024 with bang

In the men’s doubles, despite losing the opening set quickly, Matt Chandler and Mike Williams regrouped, cut down on their errors and turned the match round in the second set.

The deciding championship tie-break was tight, but Chandler and Williams always looked like they were in control and they defeated Dugald Lockhart and Louis Young 2-6, 6-1, 10-8.

In the women's doubles, Ros Clark and Lynn Ramsell, last year’s defeated finalists, were drawn together again. This time they were up against Julie Nash and Lorraine Slowther.

The combination of Lorraine’s powerful groundstrokes and Julie’s drop shots and slices meant that once again Clark and Ramsell were the runners-up.

They could not get into any rhythm at all in the match as Nash and Slowther won convincingly 6-0, 6-0.

In the mixed doubles, Clark and Slowther were again on opposite sides of the net.

Clark came out the winner this time, partnered with Ellery Ford, as they defeated Slowther and Stephen Hockaday 6-1 6-1.

Clark and Ellery combined well with his powerful serve and speed around the court and her net play.

Consolation events were held in all events with Phil Horne and Chris Poter winning the men’s double plate, Claire Thomasson and Sue Warren taking the women’s doubles plate. Ann Williams and Joe Slowther claimed the mixed doubles plate competition.

At the presentation ceremony, Al Clark the club chairman thanked all the competitors and spectators and said: “Our main tournament sponsor for the first time was the Dorset LTA and we are very grateful for their generous support.

“We’ve seen some fantastic matches and over the course of the tournament and it’s great to see some new names on the trophies. Congratulations to all of our champions.” 

All prizes were presented by Al Clark and the clubhouse was packed with spectators and sandwiches and cakes were provided by the amazing team of Ros Clark, Jill Maple and Sarah Baker.

Delicious scones and cakes were baked by Jill Maple, Sarah Baker, Sue Warren, Sue Ramsbottom and Ann Williams

Contact the club to find out more about their tennis, squash and racketball programmes. Look at the club website www.dtsc.org.uk e-mail: admin@dtsc.org.uk or phone 01305 268103 from 9-11am on weekdays for more information.

Results:

Men's doubles: Matt Chandler & Mike Williams beat Dugald Lockhart & Lois Young 2-6, 6-1, 10-8.
Women's doubles: Julie Nash & Lorraine Slowther beat Ros Clark & Lynn Ramsell 6-0 6-0.
Mixed doubles: Ros Clark & Ellery Ford beat Lorraine Slowther & Stephen Hockaday 6-1 6-1.

Men's doubles plate: Phil Horne & Chris Porter walkover.
Women's doubles plate: Claire Thomasson & Sue Warren beat Jane Jones & Ann Williams 6-0 6-0.
Mixed doubles plate: Ann Williams & Joe Slowther beat Sue Ramsbottom & Tim Guppy 3-6 6-3 10-3.